Judge has ‘lurking doubts’ about Ballina drugs case
Judge Eoin Garavan. Picture: Alison Laredo
A crack cocaine addict took responsibility for more than €60,000 worth of drugs found in another person’s home.
Bernadette Muldoon, aged 40, of St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina, pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply when she appeared before Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court last week.
The court was told that Gardaí were investigating another individual when they searched a house in St Patrick’s Estate in Ballina that was not Muldoon's home on June 7, 2024.
A male suspect fled the house when Gardaí arrived but was later arrested. Another female (not Muldoon) was present when Gardaí discovered €62,000 worth of cannabis in a utility room press. This woman was also arrested.
However, later that same day, Muldoon presented herself at Ballina Garda Station and stated the drugs were hers.
She told officers she was using cocaine at the time and was paranoid about the Gardaí finding the drugs. She claimed she entered the other property through the back door and concealed the cannabis. The woman also told Gardaí she had a €3,000 drug debt and agreed to hold the drugs for someone else.
The court heard Muldoon is afraid to leave her home which has had its windows broken in recent days.
Barrister Dr Laura Byrne said her client is addicted to crack cocaine and previously had a heroin problem. Dr Byrne said she believes Muldoon was “under a certain amount of duress” because of her addiction.
Judge Eoin Garavan said it appears to be the case that there is “huge pressure on this lady” but he requires more background.
“Perhaps this lady is the fall guy in this,” he added.
The judge said he finds himself in a difficult position given the “lurking doubts” surrounding the case. Judge Garavan said Muldoon’s actions might be enabling someone else to evade justice.
“Someone else could be out there laughing at the system,” he remarked.
The case was adjourned until February 26, 2026 for a probation report.
